Protein Structure and Function

Protein Structures

• Primary

• Secondary

• Tertiary

• Quaternary

Protein Folding After Synthesis• After forming the amino acid chain, the proteins begin

wrapping into more complete structures using hydrogen-bonding to hold them together.

Importance of Protein Structure

What Are Proteins For?

• Proteins are the molecules that do nearly everything necessary for life!

Importance of Proteins

Function DescriptionEnzymes Enzymes carry out almost all of the thousands of chemical

reactions that take place in cells. They also assist with the formation of new molecules by reading the genetic information stored in DNA.

Messengers Messenger proteins, such as some types of hormones, transmit signals to coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues, and organs.

Structural components These proteins provide structure and support for cells. On a larger scale, they also allow the body to move.

Transport/storage These proteins bind and carry atoms and small molecules within cells and throughout the body.

Antibodies Antibodies bind to specific foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, to help protect the body.

Enzymes

• Speed up or allow chemical reactions to occur

• Example: Amylase (in salive) break long starch chains up into small disaccharides that can be more easily absorbed in the digestive tract.

Hormones (Messengers)

• Hormones are signaling proteins that tell the DNA when to produce certain necessary proteins.

• Example: Oxytocin triggers the production of milk in breast tissues following birth

Structural Proteins

• Provides structures to cells or within the body

• Example 1: Collagen is used to hold cells together as connective tissue

• Example 2: Keratin is used to make fingernails and hair

Transport and Storage Proteins

• Controls the movement of certain molecules into or out of the cells and within cells.

• Example: Sodium pumps control the number of sodium ions inside/outside of the cell

Antibodies• Identifies, attaches to, or inactivates foreign particles

in the body as part of the immune response

• Example: IgG antibody attaches to foreign particles and sends a message to the rest of the immune system to respond